Environmental Specialist

Job Summary

This position will report to the Land Supervisor within the Environmental Affairs and Sustainability (EA&S) Department.  The Environmental Specialist/Engineer will work in a fast-paced environment with Southern Company’s operating companies (OPCOs) Environmental Affairs organizations on environmental policy for land and waste issues, SPCC, permitting and compliance. Responsibilities will include monitoring and engaging in the regulatory development process for environmental rules (e.g., RCRA, CERCLA, TSCA), communicating new developments/interpretations to management and operating company personnel, assisting in environmental compliance efforts, and coordinating operating companies' strategy with regard to EPA's rulemaking agenda. This position will also support the system’s vendor audit program and waste metrics reporting.

This position will be called upon to represent the Company in national industry groups and other public forums and to engage employees across numerous functional areas, including safety, permitting, research and technology development, fuels, planning, commercial operations and external affairs.  While experience in environmental policy, compliance, and/or permitting is beneficial, candidates with other work and educational experience involving directly relevant skill sets are encouraged to apply.

Job Requirements

Education and Work Experience

•  Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant scientific discipline from an accredited 4-year college required
• Master’s degree and professional certificates in related field desired
• Two to five years relevant work experience required
• Experience in environmental policy, permitting, compliance preferred.
• Experience with OPCOs and interface with regulatory agencies desired

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to coordinate and manage cross functional teams, build consensus and deliver results
• Knowledge of electric utility industry, electric generation and transmission and distribution desired 
• Knowledge of federal/state environmental regulatory and legislative processes preferred
• Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing, to convey complex topics to internal and external audiences at all levels
• Ability to read, comprehend and summarize complex environmental regulations
• Demonstrate technical and business writing skills
• Demonstrate strong initiative and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate project management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently without day-to-day direction
• Proficient in standard business computer and software packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) 
• Ability to think strategically and display customer focus
• Ability to work in a team environment with diverse disciplines and backgrounds 
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with Our Values – Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance

Job Responsibilities

• Provide support and expertise related to waste policy and compliance to internal and external customers
• Support the Company’s engagement in federal land and waste policy development 
• Support Company’s advocacy efforts for federal land and waste policy in conjunction with the Washington office 
• Actively participate in appropriate industry, research and policy advocacy associations
• Provide environmental support for generation siting, generation development and business development functions 
• Support environmental due diligence reviews of potential new generation sites
• Support the system vendor audit process
• Lead the system’s annual waste metrics reporting
• Lead various system-wide working groups related to land policy issues as well as SPCC Plans
• Support leadership efforts to ensure adequate and appropriate customer communications across all levels of the Company and OPCOs
• Travel 25%